For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. 1. “Department” means the department of health and human services.
2. 2. “Desired results” means the set of desired results for improving the quality of life in this state for young children and their families identified in section 256I.2.
3. 3. “Early care”, “early care services”, or “early care system” means the programs, services, support, or other assistance made available to a parent or other person who is involved with addressing the health and education needs of a child from zero through age five. “Early care”, “early care services”, or “early care system” includes but is not limited to public and private efforts and formal and informal settings.
4. 4. “Early childhood Iowa area” means a geographic area designated in accordance with this chapter.
5. 5. “Early childhood Iowa area board” or “area board” means the board for an early childhood Iowa area created in accordance with this chapter.
6. 6. “Early childhood Iowa program” or “program” means the early childhood Iowa program established in section 256I.5.
7. 7. “Early childhood Iowa state board” or “state board” means the early childhood Iowa state board created in section 256I.3.

2010 Acts, ch 1031, §278; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §1000